Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy could fulfil David Beckham's wish of ending his career in America.

The Galaxy have confirmed their interest to sign former England captain Beckham if he fails to agree a new deal at Real Madrid.

Beckham's current deal at the Bernabeu runs out at the end of the season, but the 31-year-old would be allowed to speak to other clubs from Jan 1 if he has not signed a fresh contract with Real.

The Galaxy view themselves as the glamour club of MLS and Alexi Lalas, the former US international defender who is president and general manager, confirmed their interest.

Lalas said: "A move for Beckham is not something we need to discuss at this point because he's under contract with Real. But if that changes, and there's an opportunity, of course we'd be interested.

"There are thousands of clubs out there that would love to have a player of his calibre and the Los Angeles Galaxy is certainly one of them.

"For many people the Los Angeles Galaxy are looked upon as the jewel of MLS. We play in the best stadium, we have had incredible success over the history of the league and we have had great individual players and great teams. There is a tradition of excellence."

Beckham revealed earlier this year of his desire to play in the American league.

In April he said: "I've one year left at Real, and maybe two more after that, but things can change in football and the American league does interest me.

"I want to be part of a country that is passionate about sport. I've got my academy in LA which is important to me because that is my life after the game."

Beckham could be tempted to make the switch quicker than he expected due to his lack of first-team action this season. But Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic believes the former Manchester United player will hold off making a decision on his future to see if he can become part of new coach Fabio Capello's plans.

Mijatovic said: "He (Beckham) wants to continue (at the club), but also wants to play. He wants to have more time before making a decision in order to see if he regains his starting place.

"I believe that in the end he will remain here, because the current atmosphere in this team gives him guarantees that something beautiful can happen."

The Football Association have launched investigations into two separate coin-throwing incidents at Premiership matches over the weekend.

The FA will speak to West Ham after Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was struck by a coin at Upton Park on Sunday, and to Fulham and Everton after midfielder Claus Jensen was hit by a coin thrown by an away fan at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

A FA spokesman said: "We will be looking at the referees' reports and speaking to the relevant clubs to see what steps they are taking to identify who is responsible.

"The key thing is to identify those responsible and make sure they are dealt with appropriately."

Fulham's Jensen was struck soon after scoring what proved to be the winning goal at Craven Cottage. The incident infuriated manager Chris Coleman who said afterwards that the person responsible should be "sent to prison".

Coleman said: "I hope the offender is identified. It was a coward who threw the coin. Send him to prison or somewhere away from football."

Van Persie, meanwhile, was struck in the first half of their fixture at West Ham after going over to the touchline to collect the ball for a throw-in.

He fell to the ground after being struck by a coin, but was able to continue playing after the incident.

The match was also marred by the last-minute altercation between Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and West Ham counterpart Alan Pardew.

Wenger was unhappy with Pardew's celebrations at Marlon Harewood's last-gasp winner and refused to shake hands with him at the final whistle.

League Managers' Association chief executive John Barnwell says the technical areas for both managers should be made further apart to stop future incidents taking place.

Barnwell said: "I haven't spoken to Alan or Arsene but what the incident does show is how emotional this game is - and that is what drives them.

"Perhaps Alan could be accused of over-celebrating but when you look at what he has been through this season who could deny him that?

"One thing I would like is for the technical areas to be at least 20 metres apart - then I don't think you would get these scenes."

Ronaldinho has been voted FIFPro's player of the year for the second season running.

Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho received most nominations from the 43,000 players who were invited to cast their vote on the best players of the last campaign.

FIFPro is the worldwide representative organisation for all professional footballers.

Brazil international Ronaldinho said: "This is a huge honour and also provides important motivation to keep striving for future progress."

England and Chelsea defender John Terry was included in the FIFPro team of the 2005/06 season

World Cup winners Italy had four members in the side - Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta and Andrea Pirlo - while runners-up France had three selections - Lilian Thuram, Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry.

Other members of FIFPro's team were Brazil's Kaka and Barca duo Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho.

Meanwhile, Argentina forward Lionel Messi won the Aspire Young FIFPro Player Player's Award and Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo was handed the Aspire Young Player Fan Award.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is ready to ride out the storm at St James's Park despite continued concern among the club's fans.

Supporters have called for Shepherd's head in recent weeks including during and after Saturday's 1-0 loss at home to fellow strugglers Sheffield United - a defeat which left them second from bottom in the table.

But Shepherd wants to see the club moving back in the right direction. He said: "Right now, it would seem I am the only one prepared to do this job and it's one I will continue to do to the very best of my ability and with the best interest of the club at heart."

The chairman was expected to attend the club's training ground this morning to make his feelings known to the players who have not won a league match since Sept 17.

He said: "I think it's time the players are reminded just who they are playing for."

Scunthorpe manager Brian Laws has agreed terms to become Sheffield Wednesday's new manager.

Laws will be officially presented as Paul Sturrock's successor at a press conference after quitting his role at Glanford Park.

Laws guided Scunthorpe to promotion to League One at the end of the 2004-05 season.

Wednesday recently sacked Sturrock and have been keen to find a replacement even though they have won three of the last four matches under caretaker-manager Sean McAuley.

Bryan Robson had earlier ruled himself out of the running despite being one of the contenders.

Robson said: "I was shortlisted for the Sheffield Wednesday job but, after careful consideration, I decided it is not the right challenge for me at this moment in time."

Grimsby have sacked managerGraham Rodger after just five months in the job. Rodger's assistant, Stuart Watkiss, has been placed in temporary charge.

Rodger, 39, who had been in charge since June 5, led the team to four wins, 11 losses and five draws. Saturday's 3-1 defeat at home to MK Dons ultimately turned out to be Rodger's last game at the helm, a loss which leaves Grimsby third from bottom in League Two.

A statement from Grimsby said: "Graham Rodger has been a most loyal and dedicated servant to the club.

"He has qualities this club needs - the shame of it is that this man deserved better. Sadly, he has become a victim of circumstances in his current role due to the unrelenting pressures and lack of patience that surrounds football.

"Stuart Watkiss will be asked to assume the caretaker role in the short term until the board are ready to formally appoint Graham's successor."